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"3-3 '3k>3 >33 .. i > 3 T 3/~"3>3>3>. » 3 3 3>3'>3- \< Z> »3 .Z»^33 > 3 3> 3»^\>3 33 33' 3 > » 33 > :zs>m> 3> >"3> 3>>.'5> • • ■ ^=3> 37^3* >^ » ^3> 3vr» • 3> • )■■■ !>3-£>' 35)3>r 3» » 3j • 3>\3_ REFORMED (DUTCH) CHURCH OF WAL PACK. jmstorifttl flkc0itris^ PREACHED AT THE DEDICATION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH, AT BUSHKILL. PENN. JANUARY 13th, 1874, BY Rev. S. W. MILLS. ppf3]_j^p j3Y fM^P^T ELLENVILLE. N. Y : TAYLOR & FrSHER, PRINTERS, JOURNAL BUILDING. 1874. Igtsstorical &i$Bpnv&ii< Call to remembrance the former days. — Hebbews x : 32. It is often both seasonable and profitable for ns to review the scenes and events of other days ; to study the history of the past, that we may gather from it lessons of wisdom and instruction, — of admonition and encouragement. The contem- plation by us as individuals, of the dealings of Divine Provi- dence with us in the past history of our lives, — the calling up in review before the mind the mercies and blessings conferred upon us, and the sorrows and trials which we have endured, when properly done, will ever prove beneficial. We shall be led thereby to recognize the goodness and mercy of God to- ward us, as well as His faithfulness to His promises, and thus be led to repose our trust in Him for the future, no less than to be admonished of the evil of departing from Him. That which is true of individuals, is equally so of communities, whether associated together for religious or for secular and civil purposes. The deeds of patriotism and piety performed by those who have preceded us, arid who have served their day and generation, may well be held in remembrance by us, and often recited for our own and others' good. This is so espec- ially when those whose history we review have been placed in circumstances of great trial and hardship, and have been called to act their part amid dangers and perils, and under manifold discouragements and difficulties. With what feelings do we recall the history of our patriot sires, in the perilous times in which their lot was cast ! In what veneration do we hold their memory ! What an influence for good may be produced by contemplating the toils and privations which they endured, the labors which they performed, and the sacrifices which they made to gain those liberties which they prized above property, ease, and even life itself! Let us often dwell upon them in these times of degeneracy and national corruption. Let us re- count them to our children and our children's children, that we and they may alike be inspired with loftier and purer mo- tives and purposes, and prove ourselves their worthy descend- ants. The duty of recalling the past is repeatedly spoken of in Scripture. In Job viii : 8, we read : " Inquire, I pray thee. of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers.'" In Dent, xxxii : 7, -Moses says to the Israelites : " Remember the days of old, consider the years of many gen- erations." In accordance with these is Paul's direction in the text, in which lie seeks to encourage the Hebrew Christians under the trials which they were called to endure, by a consid- eration of those which they had already experienced. ''Call to remembrance the former days." To this pleasant duty we ad- dress ourselves on this occasion ot so much interest to this congregation. We ask your patient hearing while we recite as briefly as is consistent with the subject, the history of the Church of Walpack. from its first organization up to the pres- ent time. The first settlers of the Neversiuk and Delaware valleys were Huguenots and Hollanders, who came from Kingston and Esopus, in Ulster County, N. Y. Their first place of settle- ment was at Peenpack, along the Neversiuk north of Hugue- not, and about six or seven miles from Port Jervis. From this they passed down the Delaware, and subsequently some of them or of their descendants crossed over the Mountain to the Clove, near Deckertown. Deeply imbued with the principles and spirit of Protestantism — for which some of them had been compelled, to flee from their native land, — they brought witli them their religious privileges, and made early efforts to es- tablish churches and schools. REV. GEORGE WILHELMUS MANCIUS. It is highly probable that as they came from Kingston and its vicinity, the Rev. George Wilhelnms Mancius, Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church of Kingston, first preached the gospel here, and organized Churches both along the Neversink and Delaware. There were four churches organized probably about the same time — viz : Machackemech (now the Re- formed Church at Port Jervis), Menissinck, at Montague, N. J., Walpeeh and Smith held.* The precise date of organiza- tion is not known, but the Minutes of Consistory date back to August 23d, 1737, at which time a Consistory was found in each Church performing Consistorial acts. Mancius. as it would seem from the record of baptisms in his handwriting, was in the habit of coming here regularly every six months (in May and November,) from their first organization, to preach and administer the sacraments, until they obtained a minister of their own. These Churches were without a Pastor for four years, when the REV- JOHANNES CASPARUS FRYENMOET t commenced his labors among them, June 1st, 1741, at the age of twenty, as appears from his own record in the Church Book. He was found among the people here, a lad of but sixteen, of much promise, who had been born in Switzerland, and had re- cceived a partial education for the ministry before coming to this country. In the scarcity of ministers they desire him to become their spiritual teacher. But he was only a boy, and *The names of the first, three churches are variously spelled in the min- utes- -Machackemech, Magagkamek, Magaghhamach, Mahackamach ; Menis- sinck, Manissinck, Menissing, Miniaink ; Walpeeh, Walpek, Walpack. Usu- ally, for the first fifty years as in the first of each of these names, — and so we have written them. fUntil 1747 he wrote his name Fryenmuth, and after that invariably Fry- enmoet. The first is supposed to be the Swiss, and the second the Holland modi' of spelling it. in- .it ion vh '' . i r 1 1 1 >> 1 1' - i lul' i he regulation* of the ( Ihuri in ■■■' n i . itriet in roquii ing an edu< ated m 'I'le i' ■' i' no i iiool "i Hi' '!"" i in thi country to which he uould l" 'ii' and no eeeli in Meal in f^anizal ion to gi i • t he nropci ' "iiiiin ion fbi the work of the ministry What wag i,, i,i clone ' In theii poverty they rai u among them elves ill, n'|iM iii in' .in, i'» end him to Holland to complete hi* i iK | n .mil i dive ordination from the Ola i ni Amster- dam ill which the Lieformed Churches in this country were then all dependent j and aftei tbui long years he comes back in iiniii 1 1 M' to in engagements, and commences his labors , ii- iln in Wli.ii in honorable record is this for both min i iM .mil people I What :in instance of liberality, of conn" ilnn i' and of hone nn the pari "I the one, and "I devotedness .mil fidelity "ii the pari of the other! Their long years of 1 1. 1 1 1 < ni waiting were well rewarded, Mr. F. proved s most aeeeptiible, faithful and Buocessful minister, and withal was i,ni:ii kahl \ genial and social in personal intercourse. His praise wenl abroad, not only through ;ill ihis region, hut other oom muni ties and Churches were charmed by him. Efforts were made al different times by various Churches in induce him t<> leave his Held of labor here A strong efforl was made at the time of his leaving, to secure liis services for the Churches of I l.n liii'M-n, Readington, Raritan and North Branch, N. -I. v > 1 1 1 \ nix months after his settlement here a call was made upon luiu l»\ the Churches of Rochester, New Paltz, Shawangunk and Marbletown, which railed forth a reply from the Gonsisto- nes of M.iehaekemeeh ami !\l enissinek. whieh for its keenness and expressions of kind Christian feeling is seldom equalled, aven al this day The Church records kept by him are mod- els .»r neatness and accuracy as well as of penmanship. Ilis name was signed in\ ariabi) m a monogram, very frequently placing under ithis age at the time. The number of members received into thev'hmeh of Wal pack during his ministry here 1 have been unable to ascertain : bul in the Churches of Ma- ehaekonnvh and Menissinek. whose records were kept in the ►8 n \ Hut aasaaaaHRBuz - '.'.j~'-. — i "--.■- '.'-'.- Z" '-- •■ -— " •" ■ r "" - i" " i- " " _ " "* hit i- - - - -_ - ■Qamw a& :.mr> m. — -v-i— -z- ------ :• n -i. •_ 1 : :r :. : 7":- !:_■ - i H w r faarfcMnr«i rft lfrianinmra~ ami ^"u^ei ^cr a a amar t yiV '_r-i ""- - :-■- — =±a- It aer." 5 " \aii - " - •_ " i - r : i.u;i" ■ " :-" ' " a'ti — ii :'■ •. '--L- 1 '•.-.-.- -■: ?- ri- - "■': ii c-i:- -i_ Jl : — -_- £ •:•■ - zr-- - ;-■-■*■ mm -li -i - - i : : !-— -- _ — -_- k? fttai ate ii C awi i .I t L. i- jbm -" ." -• -.. ?. ----- ii : - . - - i-r ! i - :— i - : - -------. - --_.- :- - - - - - - " v 111-: — - - .--"I-- ill! sa»MaH pay aim jwl- ~i. ir_i - i ■_— -• i-:- ' 7-~ 7 ■■£ : --it n •.-- •>;-■-■-• :- -i ; •: na-- -ttjx. Caaweii ~ lart if a^daeaay«saSEHBBB?-aBaaMBTi^ ~ -1 ~iir: ; :e- at tlii rTy pay ta~f- «am -X--r 't'ini> " T n.>- - a#-aaafe •~a--*u a* aff'a . - tL «vi3^ r^ri. «aa»: - - : ii i - is aJfw*rmainL in. -ran~& ae wat 4 - r • «i •^aaapat V-* - afc_ na- - _ i — hz cant fe- a na a g aa g^ i - twal aidaafc *h» W Psurf aa 1 Tin*-- Tia-aani i Cas-Maraa Frpaaaaxsau roanc rami km aa $watanaaaal. and 8 Lena Van Etten, young woman, born in Nytsfield, were mar- ried with a License from Governeur Morris in Jersey, by Jus- tice Abram Van Catnpen, 23d day of July, J 742/'° Subsequently to the agreement made by these two Churches to pay the above amount of forty pounds, the Churches of Walpeck and Smithfield, in which he had been preaching all along, and where he had, we may suppose, received some com- pensation for his services, entered into the arrangement with them, when each of the four was to pay seventeen pounds and ten shillings. These four Consistories likewise at a later date (April 11th, 1748.) adopted the following minute hearing upon his support, and aiding him in his ministerial duties. which it must have required their combined wisdom and gen- erosity to devise. No two of them were adequate to it. The minute reads thus : " They have authorized Cornelius West- brook to purchase a horse for the Dominie, and pay for it from the Elders" chest in each Church, which horse the Dominie hath agreed to use exclusively for the Churches, except he will use it for himself." How well the arrangement regarding this Church horse worked we are left to conjecture from the follow- ing extract from the minutes just nine mouths later, signed by the minister himself: " I bind myself, by my signature, to the four united Churches of Smithfield, Walpeck, Menissinck and Machackeni' eh, pursuant with an obligation of the same date with this, henceforth to serve the Churches with my own horse. For the establishment of this I subscribe my name. J. C. Fryennioet." Toward the close of Mr. F.'s ministry here the Church of Smithfield withdrew from the other three Churches. At a joint meeting of the Consistories of the four Churches, held December 23d, L753, " the elders of the Church of Smithfield desired, with the consent of Rev. Mr. F., to be relieved of his services. Their request was granted through love by the oth- er three Churches."' No reason was assigned for the request : "V'nn Campen was on<> of the first four Judges of Sussex County, New Jersey, appointed by the King of England in 175:!. but all appears to have been done with the utmost good feel- ing. There was a cause for it, as we think, to which allusion will be made hereafter. Mr. F. remained here until August 12th, 1756, a period of fifteen years, when, on account of the Indian massacres in this region, he accepted a call from Kinderhook, Claverack, and Livingston Manor, where he remained for twenty-one years, and where his ministry, as well as here, was greatly blessed. He died about 1778, and was interred under the Kinderhook Church. The Van Burens and Kittles of the vicinity of Kin- derhook were his descendants. It is said that Mr. F., accord- ing to the custom of his day, was the owner of slaves, as were also many of his parishioners. MORAVIANS. It may be a matter of some interest to state that at one time during Mr. F.'s ministry here, " the Moravian Brethren preached and kept a school in the upper valley of the Dela- ware, on the Jersey shore, in 1746 and 1747. In the former year Joseph Shaw was settled at Walpack. Here his wife de- ceased. He also preached at Minisink Church, and on one oc- casion, in April, 1747, had a promiscuous audience of Swedes, English, Scotch, Irish, Welsh, Germans, Walloons, Shawan- ese, Mohawks, Delawares and Catawbas."f In October, 1747, Mr. Shaw sailed as a missionary to St. Thomas, and was lost at sea during a violent gale. No further mention is made in their annals, of the efforts of the Moravians after this in the valley, and the field was evidently left to Mr. Fryenmoet. REV. THOMAS ROMEYN. After the departure of Rev. Mr. Fryenmoet the three Churches were vacant four years, when the Rev. Thomas Ro- meyn, of Long Island, accepted a call, September 6th, 1760. Mr. R. was born in Pompton, N. J., March 20th, 1729, stud- ied under G-oetchius and T. Frelinghuysen, sailed from New- York for Europe, April 11th, 1752, and was ordained by the Classis of Amsterdam, September 3d of the same year ; ac- fMoravian Annals. 10 cepted a call from Success. Newtown, Oyster Bay and Jamai- ca,oo Long Island. November 10th, 17.")2. where he remained until coming bere in 1760. But little is known of his minis- try among these Churches, and such is the character of the Church Records kept by him that it is well nigh impossible to learn anything from them. His wretched, illegible penman- ship, contrasts strikingly with the neat, distinct hand of his predecessor. He was a quiet, peaceable man, devoted to his work, and served the churches faithfully. Soon after his set- tlement here, Mr. ft. commenced preaching a part of the rime in Wantage. N. J. (at the Clove), which resulted at length in the organization of ;i Reformed Dutch Church there in 1788, during Mr. Van Benschoten's ministry. While here Mr. It. married for his second wife, Susan Van Campen, daughter of Col. Ab'm Van Campen, of Pahaquarry. He remained in Charge of the churches here twelve years, until 1772. when he became the Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church of Caugh- nawaga, Montgomery County, N. V., and continued such for twenty-one years, when he was by ill health compelled to re • sign his charge, and where he also died. October "22d, 17 ( J4. Three of Mr. R/s sons entered the ministry of the Reformed Dutch Church, while a fourth died in the course of prepara- tion for it. A grandson (James,) was for many years one of the most able and learned ministers in our denomination, while a great-grandson (Theodore B.,) is at the present time the highly esteemed Pastor ot the First Reformed Church in Hackensaek, N.J. It is a most gratifying testimonial thai is thus furnished to the faith and piety of the second Pastor of these Churches of the Delaware, that while comparatively little is known of his labors here, his descendants to the third and fourth generation have been engaged in preaching in the Church of their fathers the same blessed gospel proclaimed by him. After Mr. R. left there was an interval of about thirteen years during which these churches were without any regular services, owing chiefly to the troubled state of the country pre- ceding and during the Revolutionary war. Occasional sup- 11 plies broke to them the bread of life, among whom we find on the church-book the names of Jacob R. Hardehbergh, V. D. M ., and Benjamin DuBois, V. D. M., in 1784. REV. ELIAS VAN BENSCHOTEN. On May 11th. ITS."), a call was given to the Rev. Elias Van- Benschoten (Van Banschooten he usually wrote it), by the three Churches of Machackemech, Menissinck and Walpack. The call was accepted July 9th, and lie was installed August 28th, by Rev. Dr. Jacob R. Hardenbergh, of Marbletown, Ulster County, N . Y. The name of no minister in our Church, dead or living, is so generally known in it. Mr. V. B. was bora at New Hackensack, Dutchess Co., N. Y., October 26th, 1738. Graduating from Princeton College in 1768, he stud- ied Theology with Dr. Hermanns Meyer, of Kingston, N. Y., as appears from a receipt in the Dutch language, signed by him. October 7th. 1772, acknowledging the payment in full of three pounds, two shillings and sixpence, for board and tu- ition. If this receipt covered the entire term of study, ."either the course of study (it has been well said.) was not very extended, or provisions for both mind and body were mar- veloiisly cheap in the good old times." Mi - . V. B. was first settled at Shaghtieoke, on the Hudson, for twelve years until coming here. About two years after commencing his minis- try here, application was made to the Classis of New Bruns- wick for the organization of a Reformed Dutch Church at the Clove, near Deckertown, which was effected the succeeding year.f Subsequent to this his services were divided between that Church and the Churches on the Delaware, and at length, in L792, he removed to the Clove, though still serving the Churches here until 1799, or 1800. He continued to labor at the Clove (where he owned a farm and mill,) with much ac- ceptance and success, until 1812, when, on account of his ad- vanced age (74), he gave up his charge. Three years later, (January 10th, 1815,) after a lingering and painful illness, he closed his useful life on earth, and entered upon his reward. A few years subsequent to his death, his remains were taken IS.,. N.ite B 12 up by the General Synod from their place of interment at the Clove, and removed to New Brunswick, X. J., and laid by the side of those of many of the Professors of the College, and of the Theological Seminary. Dr. McClure says : : ' A very singular event took place at the .exhumation of his remains. Among those attracted to the spot was a very respectable wo- man who had grown up under his ministry. When she saw the coffin raised the thoughts of his sermons and more pri- vate instructions rushed upon her with overpowering force. Filled with anguish of spirit, under convictions of the light she had sinned against while enjoying his teachings, she sank exhausted by the tumult of her feelings. Months passed in deej) anxiety before she found peace in believing." Possessed of some eccentricities, Mr. V. B. had likewise many excellencies, and was held in high esteem, lie was re- markable for his frugality, for his strict and exact honesty in business transactions (which is too often confounded with meanness), and for abstemiousness in his manner of living. His services were conducted in either the Dutch or English language, as occasion required ; and the Church Records kept by him show entries in both languages, but principally the former. His preaching was highly Scriptural and evangelical, was clear and distinct in argument, and his messages delivered with an earnest and holy unction. His labors were much blessed. There are those still living in our valley who retain a distinct recollection of him, — of his person, his appearance, his manners and his services. In 1814, at the suggestion of Rev. Dr. Livingston, Professor of Theology at New Bruns- wick, and a warm personal friend, he made what was in that day a munificent gift, of $ 14,(>40 (increased at his death to $17,000), to the Trustees of Queen's (now Rutger's) College, the income of which was to be applied to the support of young *Whethor in paying or receiving money, he insisted upon the last cent. As an instance of this, we are told that in settling with a customer at his mill, upon finding that he owed him THREE CENTS, he went to his house for tha coppers, against the earnest remonstrance of the man for troubling himself about such a trifle. Finding him gone upon his return, he sent a negro in chase, who followed him seven miles until he overtook and paid him. 13 men desiring to preach the Gospel. This fund now amounts to over $20,000, and has already educated over one hundred and twenty-five ministers in our Church, besides inciting many others to like gifts. For sixty years it has been doing its bles- sed work, in furnishing the Churches at home with those who break to them the bread of life, as well as in sending mission- aries to India and China, and the islands of the sea. It has been said that this was the first gift of the kind for theologi- eal education in .our country. Mr. V. B. whs the last minister who served these three churches jointly, Menissinck and Machackemech from this time until 1838, uniting together in one minister. REV JAMES G. FORCE. Walpack remained vacant until November 15th, 1808, when their fourth minister, Rev. James G. Force, commenced his labors among them as Stated Supply. He continued as such for three years, until November 17th, 1811, when he was in- stalled Pastor by Rev. John M. Van Harlingen. In connec- tion with Walpack, Mr. F. preached at Haidwick, a township in Warren County, N. J., from 1811 until 1816, and at one time supplied for several months the Presbyterian Church of Smithfield. He remained the Pastor of this Church until 1N:>7. the entire period of his services being about nineteen years. At the beginning of his ministry there were but twen- ty-six persons in communion with the Church. From 1812 until 1827, sixty-two were received into connection with it by confession and certificate. Mr. F. is said to have had a good mind, and to have been an instructive and profitable preacher. He was a kind hearted, benevolent man, and very pleasant and friendly in intercourse. He had one quite serious failing in connection with his public services, not altogether in accord- ance with his name. — a want of punctuality in commencing his services. He was seldom at the place of worship in time. His habit in this regard was a matter of general complaint. His ministry however was in the main useful, though a mod- est and unassuming man. His successor speaks of him as -'a faithful and able preacher of the Gospel, who labored with ac- 14 ceptance and success until a few years before he gave* up his call," and who was "conspicuous for his great humility." After resigning his call, in 1827, he lived in Sandyston, with- out charge, until his death in July, 1851, aged 84 years. His remains were interred in the Church Burying Yard at Peters' Valley, though, shameful to say, no stone of any description marks the spot where this servant of God was laid. The Church of Walpack, as also those of Minisink and Ma- hackamach, when Mr. F. commenced his labors here, and for live or six years subsequently, appears to have been in a very feeble and discouraging condition. The whole region seems to have been a missionary field ; and hence the (Massis of New Brunswick in 1813 applied to General Synod for aid to sup- port the Gospel on the Delaware. " Th se ( Ihurches," says the Report of Synod, " are in a destitute state, and require more service than the Classis can afford them. If a suitable char- acter could be found to visit these sociel ies, t he ( Ihurches nl> ive mentioned might be soon placed in a situation to support at least one minister, and new churches be organized." NEW CHURCH ORGANIZATION. In 1S27 serious divisions arose in the Church, growing out of some cases of discipline, which greatly affected its prosper- ity. To such an extent did these proceed that the Classis of New Brunswick advised the organization of a new Church. This was accordingly effected June 14th, 1827, by the Rev. Mr. Elting, who had been appointed by the Classis for that purpose. The new organization bore the name of the Lowe; Dutch Reformed Church of Walpack. John Depue, Jr., and Nathaniel Eldridge were chosen Elders. One month later, July 14th and 15th, seventeen members were received by the Con- sistory upon confession, and seven from the old Church, the Rev. I. S. Demund, a Missionary of Classis, being present, preaching and administering the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. From records made at the time, it appears that the new Church were greatly encouraged, feeling thai the blessing of the Lord was evidently resting upon them. On August ISth the Consistory of the old Church met, there be- 15 ing present with them, by invitation, the new Consistory and the Rev. Mr. Demund, when the action respecting the disci- pline of certain members was reconsidered, and they were re- stored to their former standing in the Church. It was then further proposed to request the Classis to rescind their action in organizing the new Church, and " that the two Consisto- lies and congregations 1>.' united in one, to be called as hereto- fore, the Reformed Dutch Church of Walpack." This was unanimously adopted, at a subsequent meeting, held Septem- ber 11th. Thus, after three months, the new organization ceased to exist. REV. ISAAC S. DEMUND Was the fifth Pastor of the Church of Walpack. Having given up teaching a classical school, at Somerville, N. J., and entered the ministry in the Presbyterian Church, — after preach- ing a short time at Sandusky and Milan, in Ohio, and at Mil- ford below Easton and Kingwood, he united with the Classis of New Brunswick, and was appointed by them to labor here as a Missionary. After a few months service in this capacity (which resulted in healing the breach just referred to), a call was given to him October 15th, 1827, and on December 2d he was installed Pastor, by Rev. Richard D. Van Kleek, of Rar- itan, N. J. The condition of the Church at the time of his (Mining was not the most inviting. Serions divisions had ex- isted. The field of labor was large. The only house of wor- ship was at Flatbrookville. The other places of service were school houses, at Peters' Valley, and at Pleasant Valley, the Academy at Dingman's Ferry, at Hornbeck's barn, near his tavern, at the house of a Mr. Schoonover, at Bushkill, and at Peters' Tavern. Mr. D. was a man of much ability, and of great prudence, and was highly esteemed among the people, although his ministry here was of brief duration. In a recent letter he says : " Unanimity and good will prevailed in the congregation during the time I remained, audi could easily have been retained, had measures been taken to make me comfort- able as to temporal matters, such as furnishing a parsonage, etc. 1 ' He resigned his call June 13th, 1829, after two years 16 labors. Mr. D. is still living at Coxsackie, N. Y., in advanced years, having been engaged in the active duties of the minis- try until within a recent date, and having occupied several im- portant charges. REV. DAVID CUSHING. A tier Mr. Demund left, the Rev. David dishing preached here a lew months, as Stated Supply, commencing his labors the last of October, 1831. Mr. C. is spoken of in the minutes of Consistory as a candidate under the care of the Classis of Philadelphia, who had been recommended to them by the ('las- sis of New Brunswick. He is said to have been somewhat er- ratic in his views, and peculiar in his ways. Both his coming and departure were singular. He was nevertheless a man of decided ability and of great power, whose pleaching never failed to produce a marked impression upon his audience. Aside from his preaching, he was a match for any of his pa- rishioners at chopping timber in the woods, or threshing in the barn, in both of which he frequently indulged. Many amusing anecdotes are told of him. We mention one connec- ted with his preaching. On one occasion he quoted in the course of his sermon the words, " Pay that thou owest." pointing at the same time with hisfingerina very emphatic man- ner, as he was wont, toward the audience. As he commented upon the importance of fulfilling one's promises, the truth presented and the pointed linger so wrought upon one of his hearers, who had been somewhat negligent in the matter re- I ferred to, that after the service he went to one of his neigh- \ bora who was present, and said, "I will bring you that load of boards tomorrow," which he did. Good preaching, that. Mr. C. left very suddenly in the summer of 1832, no one knowing why. REVIVAL OF 1832. During the brief stay of Mr. (Joshing a deep religious in- terest began to manifest itself in the congregation. Larue numbers gathered to hear the Word preached, and listened to it with earnest attention. The interest increased after his de- parture. Immediately upon his leaving, the officers of the 17 Church seemed to waken up to a sense of the responsibilities resting upon them. They passed a resolution L ' that each member of the Consistory erect a family altar in his house, and plead with (rod morning and evening for the outpouring of His Holy Spirit upon as and upon our Church, and that we meet statedly together the first Monday of every month, for prayer and supplication." They also resolved to visit the congregation, going from house to house, to talk and pray with the people. One reason for this, in addition to the existing religious interest, Mr. Demund says, is the fact that the chol- era was on its way around the world, and had already reached our country, producing" no little fear and alarm. Prominent among- those who engaged in this good work, were John Nyce, Esq., George W. Nyce, Jacob Westbrook, and Daniel Schoon- over. These were greatly assisted by that faithful and devo- t< d minister, Rev. C. C. El ting, of Port Jervis, who spent days and weeks in preaching and laboring among the people. The result was a remarkable and extensive work of grace, and the addition to the Church, in the spring of 1832, of one hundred and four members upon confession, and eight by certificate. Some marked cases of conversion are spoken of in connection with it : one being that of a man eighty years of age, and another that of a tavern-keeper. REV. GARRET C. SCHENCK Succeeded Mr. Gushing, after a little more than a year. Hav- ing just been licensed by the Classis of New Brunswick, he was appointed by them in October, 1833, to preach here, and spent three Sabbaths with the people. On November 25th a call was given to him, and on February 23d, 1834, he com- menced his labors, preaching on that rainy Sabbath at Peters' Valley, and at Dingman's Ferry. His ordination and instal- lation took place six weeks later, April 6th, 1834, in the Church at Bushkill, then recently erected. Dr. Samuel A. Van Vranken preached the ordination sermon, from 1st Corinthians, 1:21. Dr. Jacob C. Sears gave the charge to the Pastor, and Rev. C. C. Elting the charge to the people. Mr. Schenck is spoken of by some of your number as a " modest and unas- 18 snraing bul good young man, devoted to his work, and much esteemed while here." He speaks himself of his coming here •'at the close of a gracious revival, and at a time when the people more than in time past appreciated the means of grace, and their attendance on them was good. My labors were ar- duous, yet with the confidence and sustaining help of the peo- ple I could engage in the work cheerfully until circumstances beyond my control constrained me to leave.'' He left in March, 1835. the Consistory placing on their book this minute : " Re- solved, That neither the Consistory or the people wish a disso- tion ; yet the Consistory will throw no obstacle in the way of their Pastor's wishes." During his ministry twelve persons were received upon confession, and two by certificate. Mi-. S. is still living, at Marlborough, N. J., without charge. Imme- diately after Mr. IS. left, the relations of the Church were changed from the Classis of New Brunswick to the Classis of Orange, the subject of transfer having keen considered in Con- sistory previous to his leaving : at first unfavorably, but the Classis of New Brunswick favored the change, and it was con- summated by General Synod in June, 1835. REV. JAMES B. HYNDSHAW Was the next Pastor. Connected with the Presbytery of New- ton, a call was given to him by the Consistory, October 26th, 1835. He was installed January 17th, 1836, the installation having keen postponed from January 13th to 17th (although the Committee of Classis were on hand), on account ot' a se- vere snow storm, four feet in depth, which rend red all travel impossible for two or three days. Rev. J. B. Ten Eyck preached the installation sermon, and read the form, and Rev. IS. Van Vechtcn delivered the charge to both Pastor and people, the services being held in the Delaware Academy. Mr. II. re- mained until October 9th, L839,when lie resigned his call to become Principal of the Academy at Stroudsburgh. He is said to have keen u a sound, orthodox minister, faithful in kis charge and highly respected, but whose labors werenoi abund- antly blessed."' 19 REV. ROBERT PITTS- As we come now to a time, the scenes and events of which are familiar to most, we shall be more brief in our notice of them. After Mr. Hyndshaw's departure the Church remained vacant, with the exception of occasional supplies, for a year and a halt', when the Rev. Robert Pitts, a Licentiate of the Classis of Orange, commenced his labors as Stated Supply, in April, 1841, and remained as such until 1860, a period of about 19 years. Mr. P. continued his ministrations longer than any of his predecessors, except Rev. Mr. Force. During his ministry there were added to the membership of the Church one hundred and fifteen persons upon confession, and seventeen by certificate. UPPER AND LOWER WALPACK- The time had now come when a change was to be made having an important bearing upon the interests of the Church and i he cause of religion here. The wide extent of territory embraced in this Pastoral Charge, and the difficulty of reach- ing it, in consequence of its being divided by the Delaware running through its entire length, — at times impassable, and at any time attended with inconvenience in crossing, had long been felt to lie serious obstacles to the prosperity of the Church, and as laying upon her ministers burdens which they were not able to bear. The Classis of Orange had considered this mat- ter some years before, as appears from the minutes of a meet- ing held October 17th, 1855, when the following resolution was passed : "Resolved, That the Committee on Missions be directed to visit the Church of Walpack, and confer with the Minister, Consistory and people, on the propriety and expediency of dividing that Church, with a view to the •M'ttlt'ineiit of two Pastors." This change was now effected, and henceforth we read of Upper Walpack, with the two congregations at Dingman's Ferry and Peters' Valley ; and Lower Walpack, with the two congregations at Bushkill and Walpack. There is however but one organization for the whole, which is known either to our ecclesiastical or cavil courts — viz : the Church of Walpack, with its one Consistory for the four congregations. 20 REV. ALEXANDER MC WILLIAM was the first minister for Lower Walpack, under this new ar- rangement. He commenced his services in the fall of 18(10, and after preaching as Stated Supply six months, was installed Pas- tor June 1st, 1861, in the Church at Bushkill, Rev. S. \V. Mills presiding and reading the form, Rev. William Ham- ilton preaching the sermon, Rev. C. Scott assisting in the de- votional exercises. After nearly ten years of faithful and suc- cessful ministerial labor, the Pastoral relation was dissolved May L7th. 1870, a call having been accepted by Mr. McWil- liain from the Reformed (Dutch) Church of East Millstone. N. J. During his ministry here there were received into the communion of the Church one hundred and two persons, nine- ty-one of whom were upon confession. In the early part of it the present parsonage was erected, the lot for which was given by Charles R. Peters, deceased. REV. JOHN F. SHAW, The present Pastor, commenced his labors October 1st, 1870, and was installed December 8th, of the same year. Rev. Gr. S. Grarretson presided and read the form for installation, and Rev. R. H. Beattie, D. D., preached the sermon. REV. NATHAN W JONES Was the first minister of Upper Walpack, under the new ar- rangement, referred to above. He commenced preaching as Stated Supply in the fall of 1861, and remained about one year. REV. GILBERT S. GARRETSON, The present Pastor, succeeded him, commencing his service's about the middle of March, 1863. He was ordained and in- stalled Pastor May L9th, 1863, in the Church at Peters' Val- ley. Rev. J. DuBois presided and read the form for installa- tion, and Rev. G. H. Mandeville preached the sermon, from Isl Cor. iii : !>. Our line of remark thus far has been confined to the Min- istry. But the history- of the Ch*urch would not be complete without an account of the Church edifices erected. Before we 21 speak of these, however, there is one item connected with the history which deserves a passing notice. CHURCH FARM. The Church has, whether fortunately or unfortunately, been the owner of large real estate. " Whether fortunately or un- fortunately," we say. Not a few of the wisest and best men of our day, both in the Church and out of it, entertain serious doubts whether the possession of property by a Church, the income of which is appropriated to its maintenance, is upon the whole, of advantage to it. We prize most that which costs us something, and hence those who pay for their religious priv- ileges usually value them most, and observe them more reeru- larly. Such possessions tend to repress a spirit of liberality among the people, and it is not unfrequently the case that it js quite as difficult to raise money for regular Church purpo- ses in such Churches as in others ; while for objects of pure benevolence they often fall sadly behind Churches having no such endowments. Nevertheless, the Church of Walpack have had a Church farm. They came by it lawfully, and have used it honestly and properly, for the purpose for which it was given. And it may be well doubted whether, if any Church now had a like offer made to it, there would be grace enough iii it to refuse the proffered boon. The Church came by the farm as follows : On May 24th, 1752, James Alexander, by direction of the Council of Proprietors of the Eastern Divis- ion of New Jersey, conveyed to Abraham Van Campen and Garret Brink, for the use of the Reformed Dutch Church of Walpack and Pahaquarry, professing the doctrines of Calvin, two hundred and ten acres in Sandyston, the consideration being " sixpence and a pint of spring water yearly," from the large spring on the premises, " if demanded." The income from this farm was to be devoted to the support of the preach- ing of the Grospel in the Church. Twenty-five acres of it were sold some years ago to William L. Bevans. On December 4th, 1869, the balance of one hundred and eighty-five acres was sold, by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature, to John *See Note C. Schooley, for $12,506, — the proceeds of sale to be safely in- vested, and the income to be appropriated to the support of the Church, according to the terms of the gift. SMITHFIELD CHURCH. Before speaking of the Church edifices in the bounds of the Walpack Church, it may not be amiss to allude to the Old Log Church, in which the Smithfield congregation first wor- shiped. This was, so far as we ran lean), the first house of worship of any description erected in this region of country. It was built below the w " Mine Holes," on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware, opposite Tock's Island, near the present village of Shawnee. It is supposed to have been built about the year 172;"). It was probably erected for the purpose of furnishing the miners, and those settled around the mines, with a place for holding religious services, while as yet there was no Church organization. When the Smithfield Church was or- ganized (in 1737), they worshiped in this Log Church, and for many years subsequently. The evidence, from the original Records of the Reformed Dutch Churches of Machackemech and Menissinck, during the ministry of Fryenmoet, is clear and decisive that this Smithfield Church was Reformed Dutch, with its Consistory composed of Elders and Deacons, the names of whom from time to time are recorded in that Book, with those of the three other Churches. We deem it important to state this, since the intimation has been made, in a History of the Shawnee Presbyterian Church, that this was originally a Presbyterian Church ; they are called " Dutch Presbyterians," i. e., Presbyterians using the Dutch language. The Church first in existence known as the Smithfield Church, at what is now called Shawnee, was Reformed Dutch, and not Presbyte- rian. Its officers signed the "Act of Subordination to the Classis of Amsterdam," with those of the other three Churches, April L9th, 174(1. Their names were, Benjamin Depuy and Moses Depuy, Elders' and Lambart Brynck and James Ilvnd- fihaw, Deacons. i: Re\ .1 K;i-li\ Davis. 23 This Church continued in connection with the other three Churches in enjoying the services of the same minister, as be- fore remarked, until about the year 1753, when it withdrew. The cause leading to this withdrawal was probably the erec- tion of a " Presbyterian Meeting-House " there in 1752, the land for which had been given by William Allen, in 1750. This was a stone building (known lor many years as the Old Stone Church), and after its erection was occupied by various denominations— Presbyterians, Reformed Dutch, and Luther- ans. Notwithstanding the Smithfield Dutch Church with- drew from the other three Churches, still Fryenmoet and Ro- meyn both preached from time to time in this Stone Church, which was now used by the Dutch congregation, on account of the Old Log Church having- become unfit for use. But while the Presbyterians had their house of worship, it appears from the History by Mr. Davis, just referred to, that there was no organization of a Presbyterian Church until in 1816, when the Rev. John Boyd ordained the first Elders. Previous to this, Presbyterian ministers preached here occasionally to those pre- ferring that form of worship and organization. Meantime the Reformed DuL-h Church, having no house of worship of its own, declined and at length died out, and those who had been connected with it fell in with the Presbyterian Church when its organization was effected. WALPACK CHURCHES. The first house of worship erected within the bounds of the Walpack Church was built on the site occupied by the present edifice, near Flatbrookville. The original deed for the ground (containing four acres,) upon which the church was erected, was made by Thomas Brink and Nicholas Schoonhovan, in the tenth year of His Majesty, King George, February 1st, 1737. :: This deed was never recorded, and on February 26th, 1744, another genuine deed was made and recorded, a note of which is made on the Church Records. The Church edifice was erected prior to 1741 (though its exact date is not known), since Rev. Mr. Fryenmoet was preaching in it at that time- *See Note D. 24 In this Church Mr. F. numbered among his hearers, on Salt- hath. August 12th, 1742, Count Zinzendorf, the great Mora- vian Apostle, who, with his daughter Benigna, was on his way from Bethlehem, Pa., to Shecomeco, Ulster County, N. Y. He speaks of Mr. F. in his journal, as " the well known Cas- per from Zurich, a well meaning man, and efficient for good in his denomination. The heat," he says. k * was overpower- ing, and we were compelled to listen to two sermons, which wearied us/' Between sermons, "in order to avoid being drawn into religious controversy, we went into the woods and read Josephus." The second Church edifice of Walpack was built a half-mile further up the river road, near where Jacob Smith now lives. The date of its erection is unknown, but it was previous to 1800. In this building Rev. Mr. Van Ben- Schoteu and Rev. Mr. Force preached. It was occupied down to 1816, when the third edifice was erected, on the original foundation, and where the present Church edifice stands. This third building was erected by the German Reformed people, who had at this time a Church organization there. It was dedicated on Christmas day (1819), the services being conducted in both German and English. After its erection, the Reformed Dutch congregation, on account of their own building having become old and dilapidated, purchased one half of the edifice built by the Germans. The two congregations occupied it on alternate Sabbaths. Soon after the commencement of Mr. Pitts' labors, the members of the German Church mainly united with the Reformed Dutch Church. The Germans how- ! ver continued to own a half interest in it so long as it stood. Two Trustees were chosen biennially, to have charge of their half of the building. The fourth and present house of worship was built in 1855, at a cost of $1,441. The Corner Stone was laid by Rev. R. Pitts August 22d, 1855, who preached a sermon from Isaiah xxviii, 16. It was dedicated December 20th, of the same year, when Rev. D. A. Jones, of .Montague, preached from Psalms xlv, 17. Calvin Decker, Jonas Smith, Andrew J. Bunnell 25 and Jonas H. Smith, were the Building Committee, and Reu- ben Shupe the Contractor. SHAPANACK CHURCH. We pass up the river from Flathrookville a few miles, until we come to what was called the Shapanack Church, another of the houses of worship occupied by a portion of the Wal- pack congregation. This was located on the line of the old " Mine Road,"'*' leading from Kingston to the Copper Mines in Pahaquarry, about three miles below Peters' Valley, near the old Shapanack Burying Ground, opposite the island of the same name in the Delaware River, and close by the side of the river road, on the farm now owned and occupied by the heirs of Moses Hull, deceased. The ground on which it stood was donated by Col. John Rosecrans, for this purpose, and was to revert back when no longer used for Church purposes. The old Shapanack Fort was only a few hundred yards distant from the Church, and formed part of Col. R's dwelling, and was used to protect settlers against Indian and Tory incursions from across the river. The exact date of the erection of the Church is not known, but it is supposed to have been before the Revolutionary war, during the Pastorate of Rev. Mr. Romeyn- It was built of logs, and was octagonal in form. Some of the loss, and even the foundation, were to be seen less than a doz- en years since. The building was abandoned about fifty years ago, and a stone edifice erected at Peters' Valley, which was used both as a Church and a school house. In this the people worshiped for about twenty years, during the ministry of Rev. Mr. Force. In the year 1838 it was sold by the Sheriff, and was purchased by Robert Stoll, and has since been used as a Store and Tavern. Among the sad reflections that arise in the mind in tracing such a history as the present, is the fact that a building reared by pious hands for holy purposes, where the Gospel of Christ was proclaimed and souls fitted for heaven should be devoted to dispensing intoxicating drinks and hur- rying men to perdition ; and the further fact that the grand • son of the man of God who here ministered in holy things, *8ee Note E. 26 should at this moment be occupying a murderer's cell in Mor- ristown. PETERS' VALLEY CHURCH. The present Church edifice at Peters' Valley, was erected in L838, during the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Hyndshaw, at a cost (if $1,400. The Contractor was James C. Bevans. It was dedicated on the last Thursday in May, 1839. A sub- scription had been circulated in 1836, to erect a house of wor- ship near the bridge at Dingman's Ferry, on the Jersey side. but being found insufficient was abandoned ; and on May 1st, 1837, the Consistory resolved to circulate another subscription to build one at Peters' Valley, which was accomplished the succeeding year. CHURCH AT DINGMAN'S FERRY. The first movement toward erecting a Church edifice at Ding- man's Ferry, Pa., which we find on record, was on May 1st 1837, when, jointly with the effort to build one at Peters' Valley, the Consistory resolved to circulate a subscription for the same purpose in Pennsylvania. What came of the effort we do not know, except that no Church was then built. So far as any notice of the matter upon the minutes of Consistory is con- cerned, the project seems to have slept for over twelve years, when on November 12th. 1849, it was revived, and Rev. R. Pitts and John I. Westbrook were appointed to raise money for this purpose. The effort was successful, and the Church was erected in 1850, at a cost of $1,300. The Building Com- mittee consisted of John I. Westbrook, Albert S. Stoll, and John Van Gorden. The Contractor was W. F. Brodhead. CHURCH EDIFICES AT BUSHKILL. The first Church edifice erected for the congregation wor- shiping at Bushkill, was in 1832 (the year of the great revi- val), the lot for which was oiven by Henry Peters. It was commenced in the Bpringof 1832, while t he Rev. David Oushing was preaching here, and completed in 1833. It is said to have been owing in no small degree to his effortB that the people here were furnished with a houseof worship. With his own hands 27 he assisted in cutting timber for the frame, on the Church farm in Sandyston, and helped to raft it down the river to its place of destination. There are those with you who have- a distinct recollection of him with Ins ox-team carting materials for the house of God. Out of the small sum of $90 received for his services here, he subscribed and paid $50 towards the erection of the Church. Its cost was a little over $2,000. The Building Committee were Simeon Schoonover, John M Heller and -lames Nyce. It has served its purpose well during a period of forty years, and has given place to the more attrac- tive, commodious and comfortable structure, now to he dedi- cated to the worship of the Triune Jehovah. And as of old it was said — " The glory of the latter house shall he greater than that of the former," so may it he said now in the highest and truest sense. While in material things. — in comeliness and beauty, and external adorning, — this building excels that which preceded it, so may it be in spiritual things. The first sanctuary here was reared, as we have seen, during a season of great religious interest in this community ; when many were found entering into the kingdom of heaven. So may it be now, even in a much larger measure. May the promise made to God's people of old, in connection with the building of the second temple, be fulfilled anew to this congregation, at the completion of this second sanctuary — "From this day will I bless you." May the Holy Spirit descend with divine and quickening power upon both Pastor and people, — crowning the labor of their hands with His rich blessing and grace : making them joyful in this house of prayer : causing them to see His glory upon Zion, in beholding multitudes bom here to a new and heavenly life — walking before God in the beauties of holiness, and at length translated to worship Him in the Heavenly Temple.* APPENDIX. NOTE A. (PAGE 6 ) The subjoined letter to the Churches of Rochester, &c, though published before, may be new to many who read this Discourse, and is well worthy of preservation. It is as follows : Manissinck, 6th day of Dec, 1741. To the Reverend Consistory of Rochester, Greeting: We, your servants, have heard and understood that you have cor- responded with our Minister, and have so far proceeded as to send him a call, purposing by much money to take him from us. But the Lord, who has thus far cauesd your acts of supplanting to fail, will further direct them to a good end. We feel ourselves bound to obey the command of the (Savior — " Do good to them that hate you and pray for them that persecute you." We therefore will deal with you hereafter as we have before — doing you good. You do not thank us for his service among you. You are bold enough to say that he has eight free Sabbaths in each year ; which is as true as the words of the Devil to Eve — "You shall not surely die." If you desire then to have our Minister lour or six times in the year, we will by no means refuse you, but will leave it to our .Minister to arrange the compensation with you. And if this canm t prevent the execution of your unjust purpose, and the Lord is plea, d to use you as a rod for our chastisement, we will view it as coming from the hand of the Lord, and comfort ourselves with the gracious lan- guage of Paul, Heb. xii: " Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." If it please the Lord to permit you to deprive us of our Minister, then we hope that your consciences will not be so seared as to take away a part of our living, being the sum of £125, 12s., 6d. :: Should this how- ever be the case, we shall not hesitate to give the matter into tlm hands of the worldly Judge. We expect an answer to this com- munication, which we conclude with the wish that the grace of the *3upposed to be money paid by them for bis education. 30 Lord Jesus < Ihrist, and the love of God the Father, and the commu- nion of the Holy Ghost, remain with you to a blessed eternity Amen. We remain your undersigned servants. JAN KORTRECHT, JAN VAN VLIEDT, ABRAHAM VAN CAMP, WILLIAM COOL. NOTE B. [PAGE 11. The following is an extract from a Petition presented to the Chas- sis of New Brunswick, signed by fifty-eight inhabitants of the Clove, dated August 21, 1787 : " < >ur ancestors, a few in number, who formerly belonged to the Low Dutch Reformed Church, settled our country about forty years since. During part of that time the Rev. Thomas Romine, by per- mission of his Church-Coun cil and people of the Minisinks, preache some of his time amongst us. By his leaving there, we again be- came destitute, till the Rev. Mr. Bunschooten was installed in Min- isinks congregations, who labored some time amongst us ; and whose labor, to appearance, has been attended with the blessings of God, so as we have upwards of thirty communicant members amongst us. NOTE C. PAGE .'1 James Alexander was a native of Scotland, and owing to the ac- tive part he took in favor of the " Pretender," he came to Ameri- ca in 171">, in company with William Smith, who was afterwards Chief Justice of New York. Having served as an officer of engi- neers in his native country, he was made Surveyor-General of New Jersey and New York, in 171. S. He also studied law, and gained an eminence in his profession. His resilience was in New York city, where he died April 2d, 1756. He was the father of William Alexander, commonly called " Lord Stirling." William Livingston, who was Governor of New Jersey during the Revolution, was a law student under him. He, with Franklin and others, founded the American Philosophical Society. His transactions in New Jer- 31 sey were principally in the capacity of agent, or attorney, for the Council of Proprietors of East New Jersey, of which he was one; and it was in that capacity that he conveyed this farm to the Church of Walpack. Sedgwick, in his life of Wm. Livingston, speaks of him as " at the head of his profession " as a lawyer, and " highly distinguished in his day." NOTE D. (PAGE 23.) The following is an exact copy of the first deed for the lot on which the Walpack Church stands, — dated February 1st, 1787 : "To all Christian people t" whom these prances Shall Com Know ye that we thomas Brink an nicklas Schoonhovan of Wallpack in the County of hunderton Yeoman Know yea that we Do Send gre- ten Know yea that we thomas Brink an nicklas Schoonhovan that we have an do this Give gran an by these prances do give grant for the Love good will and a fexshans which we do Bair to wards the inhabts of Wallpack an the near inhabitons thar a bout an we do give an grant unto the inhabitons above Biten all an Sigeler that Lot or parsal of Land Lying an Sittn an beinge in Wallpack Lut- ing Bounding as follngs Beging at the nothwess Corner of the Bur. insrvard at a lied oak tree markt with three notches on the sides Luning from thence Souerle to a wite oak tree mark with three noches Liming along to a Black oak tree markt with three notches a corner tre then B uning easterle to a corner a Black oak markited with three notches from thenc Northerle to a Black oak < lorner tree market on two sides with three notches from thence to the foust Stashon Containing about fore aakers moreso or Les to Gether with all the Kites titls intrest elames and Demands what so ever we now have or which any or ever of our heirs Executers Administers or a Signs may hear after have of or to the Said ({ranted Lrimses or any part there of have and to hold the Said Lece or Lot of Land unto the above Biten inhabitines them their ares asines Execters a Imini without any maner of < 'onditionas we the said thomas Brink and nickles Schoonhovan have fully freely and absolutly and for- ever own accord Set and Put in furder testimony in witness whareof we have hear unto Set our hands and Seals this fust Day febery in this tenth year of his magesty King George an anodonmey one 32 thousand Seven hundred an thirty Seven Sined Sealed Witness in the presence of us PETEE VANAUKEN THOMAS J. BRINK (L. S.) A 1 > A M J > 1 N ( KM ANSE Z J ' Tr , iri A Q ^ an-trrkma-cr/ r*7 i awt on BFN1N ^MVTH NKKLAS X S( HOONHOVA?\ (L. S.) NOTE E. PAGE 25 ; " Mink Road." —The old Mine Road ran from Esopus to the< !op- per Mines in Pahaquarry. From Port Jervis south it was upon the Jersey side of theDelaware, and near the river. The Mahackatnack, Minisink, Shapanack and Walpack Churches were all upon the line of this road. It is said that John Adams, while attending- Con- gress, during its sittings in Philadelphia As late as 1800, passed down the Mine Road, as one of the most eligible routes from Bos- ton to that city. NOTE F. PAGR 'J7. The new ( 'hurch edifice at Bushkill is sixty feet long (with tower projection and pulpit recess, seventy feet) and thirty-eight feet wide. The Building Committee until the inclosure of the house and the completion of the basement, were EenryM. Labar, Jno. M. Swart- wood and P. .1. Ghiillot. From August 20th, 1873, to the comple- tion of the edifice, Jacob Nyee, William Schoonover and John Hel- ler. The Contractor, from the inclosure to the completion of the building, was Edward Burch. < 'ost of edifice, $5,359 95. The Corner stone was laid July 11th, 1872, by the Pastor, Rev. J. V- Shaw, when an address was delivered by Rev. S. J. Rogers, of Tort Jervis. ll was dedicated January 13th, 1874, when the Historical Discourse here published was preached in the morning by Rev. S. W. Mills, of Port Jervis. Rev. E. P. Rogers, 1). I)., of New York, preached the dedication sermon in the afternoon, from l's. Ixxxiv, 1, alter which the form of dedication was read by the Pastor. Rev. .). 11. Bertholf, of New .York, preached in the evening. Rev. Gr. S. GJarretson, Rev. W. E. Turner, Rev. C. E. Van Allen, and Rev. Mr. Meachaui assisted at these different services, in the devotional exer- cises. 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